Baseball Talk Philadelphia

May 04, 2014

Topps Vault Serves Up Rarities

Since 2001, The Topps Gum Company has made rarities from their archives available to the public through their eBay store - and more recently, a memorabilia web store on topps.com. Over the years, they have sold player contracts, final card negatives, test prints and rare photos that never made it to print.

Card collectors will enjoy looking through the store and finding the final negatives, or mock-ups of their favorite vintage cards - or 1/1 blank-backed test prints of recently issued ones. While some lots, like the pictured "final negative" of Mike Schmidt's 1982 Topps card sell for a premium (it sold for $100), most can be bought for $25, or less. One of my favorite things to find are non-published player photos - which offer a new perspective into their time with the Phillies.

1982 Topps Mike Schmidt

Popular TTM Signer, Mel Clark Passes

Former Phillie and frequent autograph signer, Mel Clark died last week. Clark was a World War II veteran who served in the US Navy from 1942-45. After being discharged, he had a nice Major League career as a reserve outfielder - spending parts of five seasons as a Phillie during the 1950s (1951-55).

Mr. Clark was always good to those of us who collect autographs through the mail - according to Sports Collectors Net he logged a "career" 100% success rate. Last summer I asked him to sign my "1950s-era Phillies" project. It is an internal picture of Connie Mack Stadium which I have sent around for the past few years. The project has helped me learn about players, like Clark, who I never got to see play. As he had done many times before, the photo came back signed.

Collectible of the Week - Scott Rolen Salvino Figurine

The year was 2000. And, though it is hard to believe, people around these parts still liked Scott Rolen. With few marketable players on their roster, Rolen was the most visible Phillies player in the memorabilia market - appearing on posters, and as figurines or bobble heads. Read more on The Phillies Collector...

March 23, 2014

A great thing about collecting is stumbling onto something you never knew existed. Take for instance, the 2003 Steve Carlton bobble head. As part of the final season at Veterans Stadium the Phillies hosted several bobble head giveaway games, including June 22 - when a Steve Carlton figurine was handed out. At this point most of us have either seen, or acquired one of the standard issued SGAs...but, would you be surprised if I told you it is not the only version that was produced?

Though not as widely available as the SGA, a second version has popped up here and there on the secondary market over the years. This variation looks much like the original, with the exception of a white pitching rubber - and a Steve Carlton autograph. Speculation has been that this was either a random variant inserted into the standard SGAs at the gates, or sold in the Stadium team store - but, as far as I can tell, we've never received solid confirmation of either.

After exchanging emails with Lefty's merchandising company, Game Winner Sports, I came to find out that 3,000 of the two non-SGA variations were ordered by the Phillies specifically for Carlton. They have presumabley been selling this inventory on the Hall of Famer's official site: stevecarlton.com, for $39 (unsigned) and $79 (signed), ever since...

March 16, 2014

With a sub-.500 Spring Training record, Cole Hamels on the shelf until May and the recent Rollins/Sandberg dustup, the Phillies could sure use a little good fortune. Lucky for them, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day! Traditionally a popular Spring Training event - it regularly ranks among the first games to sell out.

Because it occurs during Spring Training there are not a lot of St. Patrick's Day themed Phillies collectibles, but I was able to dig up a few to get you in the spirit for tomorrow's festivities:

St. Patrick's Day Game Used Jerseys

Photo via huntauctions.com

The Phillies have been wearing the green on St. Patrick's Day since at least 1981, when reliever and well known Irishman, Tug McGraw started the tradition to honor his favorite holiday. Though they are somewhat common - with new versions becoming available every year, these game-used jerseys are are easily the most popular "one-time-use" uniforms you can buy. Sales of those worn by recent stars regularly sell at auction for between $400-500.

Mike Schmidt, 1989 Classic Travel Update #153

Spring Training coverage back in the 1980s was no where close to what it is today. Fans received updates from Florida, but rarely saw games or highlights on TV. I remember hearing that the Phillies wore these unique uniforms, but never had the opportunity to see them for myself. That was, not until this Mike Schmidt card appeared in the 1989 Classic Travel II game. The oddity made it instantly desirable for collectors. It is still one of his most recognized cards today.

2013 Chase Utley, Spring Training Exclusive Bobble Head

Photo via Kulbys Collectibles

This figurine was part of the bobble head set sold exclusively at the Phils' Spring Training home, Bright House Field, last season. While each player in the set was dressed in Spring Training gear, the Utley bobble head was the only one to be featured in the popular green St. Patrick's Day jersey. Sold out long ago, the bobble heads continue to sell well above their $25 retail value on the secondary market.

January 19, 2014

On Friday, the Phillies released their preliminary promotional calendar - announcing details for previously unknown giveaways and posting pictures of a few key promos we already were aware of. As has become their way (in general), the team's list of freebies included a couple head-scratchers, and from my view, left little to look forward to. With that said, there are still a few you should consider buying a ticket to obtain. Here are my Top and Bottom five promotions:

Top 5 2014 Phillies SGAs

Chase Utley Bobble Figurine (6/10) - This will be the third Utley SGA issue (2006 and 2008 were the others). I like the fielding pose, and away gray uniform - both different than what we've seen in the past.

Cliff Lee Figurine (6/1) - It may not look much like Lee, but based on the previous figurines in this line (Cole Hamels and John Kruk), this is a must have.

Phanatic Phun Glasses (5/18) - Like other quirky Phanatic giveaways from previous seasons, I see this one having a cult-following, too.

Alumni Weekend (8/8 - 8/10) - No specifics have been disclosed for the weekend, but it always results in at least one good hand-out.

Bottom 5 2014 Phillies SGAs

Ryan Howard Bobble Figurine (8/19) - Previously listed as 'TBD', this was a new announcement. Speculation had been that the team might use the spot to debut a Domonic Brown bobble - but, ultimately the team has decided to tee-up yet another one for Howard.

Phillies Cap (5/6) - Not sure who they are marketing this to, but whoever green-lighted this design should be doubting their career choice.

CBP Commemorative Ball/Tin Bank (4/13) - While there have been legitimate occasions to recognize in previous seasons - MVPs, Cy Young Awards, etc. - celebrating 10 years at Citizens Bank Park seems like a huge stretch.

CBP Commemorative Banner (4/7) - Same feelings as #3.

Opening Night T-Shirt (4/9) - Like the Phillies lineup, this promo just seems old and tired out.

August 31, 2013

The Phillies are always looking for new ways to expand the offerings at their Citizens Bank Park, Authentics stand. Known for its racks of game-used jerseys, the tiny store which is located on the main concourse, behind Section 133, is stretching its wings this season - having added several unique, Phillies collectibles in 2013.

During a homestand last month I made a point to stop in at the stand. One of the more interesting items were the the autographed commemorative Rawlings baseballs featuring a blue, Wall of Fame logo in the glass showcase. Up until now, there has been little officially merchandised Wall of Fame memorabilia available for Phillies collectors, and the balls help fill the void.

Overall, collectors should be pretty happy about the selection the team has made available. Most living WOF members are represented. Among the obvious omits are Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, Whiz Kid Curt Simmons and Darren Daulton. Though they exist, for reasons unknown, the "Dutch" signed balls were pulled from circulation when his illness was revealed. Also of note, according to Retail Merchandising Coordinator, John Hollinger, there are no current plans for unsigned logo balls to be sold - meaning we'll have to count on the Phillies to continue adding to their offering in the future.

July 17, 2013

Last night the game's best took the field in New York for Major League Baseball's 84th All-Star Game. While Philadelphia was not in the spotlight this season, our hometown has hosted the game four times: 1943, 1952, 1976 and 1996 - the last three games being hosted by the Phillies.

Over the past few days, fans attending either FanFest, the Home Run Derby or the big game itself were scouting the souvenir stands for momentos to serve as a reminder of the event. With the All-Star break dragging on for two more nights, I got to thinking about memorabilia from those Phillies-hosted games. Here are some of the basics...

Programs:

When I went to the All Star Game at Veterans Stadium in 1996, the one souvenir I wanted was a program. This thing was massive! 194 pages full of facts, figures and a whole lot of advertising.

Unfortunately for me, the value of the 1996 ASG program hasn't really changed too much over the past 15 years. Unlike 1952, they were mass produced for the Game, FanFest and the team continues to sell them today. The earlier game programs are still regularly found for a good price on the secondary market.

Press Pins:

Press pins were not intended for public consumption. Originally produced for members of the press-corps, they were produced in small quantities and made available in limited distribution. Their relative rarity is reflected in the resale value they command.

Tickets:

The original souvenir, game tickets...

The design for all three tickets is visually appealing, and each perfectly reflects its respective era. It's always interesting to look at the increases in face value, too. From $5.50 in 1952 to $15 in 1976 to $50 in 1996!

July 01, 2013

The longtime Phillies prospect, turned potential All-Star has decided his time is more valuable today than it was a few months ago when he signed an agreement to appear at Carl's Cards in Havertown on July 16th.

Some may point out that Brown has a legitimate shot to make the National League team, and as such would be unavailable for the date. I would agree, though after reading the statement on Carl's page (carlscards.com), it seems like finding an alternative date at the same price was not in Brown's best interests and was thus denied by the outfielder.

While I was not planning to attend the signing, I am disappointed to see the cancellation...and, worst of all, the reason for cancellation.

In this season of underachievement, Brown has been one of the few bright spots on the Phillies. And, after years of his own underachievement, Dom has grown into a solid player this summer and is building a little fan support as of late. Today's events may not erode that good-will but it won't help either...

The official statement from Carl's Cards on the cancellation:

"Due to extreme unforeseen circumstances surrounding Domonic Brown’s father, our autograph signing with Domonic Brown has been canceled. Here, at Carl’s Cards we have done everything we possibly could to make this work. Unfortunately, because of his father’s lack of cooperation we could not get him to change his mind. We have a signed contract in hand, but he has chosen to no longer honor it based on Dom’s recent All Star performance. We are just as disappointed to make this announcement as you are. We were really looking forward to this signing. If you have already purchased tickets, please notify us if you would like a refund or if you would like to exchange your ticket for an upcoming autograph signing. Please direct any and all questions/concerns to carl@carlscards.com or lauren@carlscards.com. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but this is completely and unfortunately out of our hands. We at Carl’s Cards hate these sorts of situations."

June 21, 2013

Working on either a 2008 or 2009 Phillies team autograph project? If so, you likely have (or, will have) this weekend circled on your calendar. I have a few projects in the works myself, and am looking forward to crossing paths with members of those teams at area signing appearances Friday and Saturday.

Here is what you need to know:

Friday, June 21st

Carl's Cards (22 West Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083) will be hosting pinch-hitter extraordinaire, Matt Stairs from 6:30-7:30 PM. It has been a busy week for the crew at Carl's. Stairs is the third signing they have hosted, following prospect Jesse Biddle and Jonathan Pettibone. Autographs are $20 each.

June 02, 2013

2013 Topps Archives unleashed a wave of nostalgia when packs hit the retail market earlier this week. One of the most anticipated releases of the year, Archives returned with a new crop of retro card designs featuring popular Major Leaguers from the past three decades. The 250-card set is split into a base of 200 (with cards segmented by four different Topps card designs: 1972, 1982, 1985 and 1990), and 50 Fan Favorite, short prints with varying card designs.

The Phillies are well-represented throughout the base and various insert sets. Especially Mike Schmidt, who has a ten different cards available (including parallel versions). The "Fan Favorites" cards, which feature popular players who might not otherwise be recognized with a short-print or autograph card are a real highlight of the set. I was happy to see both Larry Bowa and Juan Samuel representing the team. And, while there is not a lot of emphasis on relic cards, the Phils have three inclusions: Ben Revere, Dom Brown and Ryan Howard.

Overall, 2013 Archives delivers a fun mix of old and new players, inserts and short production run autograph cards that keep old and new collectors engaged (and buying)...

May 18, 2013

Thursday, the twenty-fourth annual Phillies Phestival was held at Citizens Bank Park. The event, which raised more than $800k for the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, is a great opportunity for fans to interact with and acquire autographs from the current team.

Beginning as a child in the late-80s, I have been to many Phestivals. And, through the years I have seen it change, in both good and bad ways. My own desires have changed, too. I have gone from getting my baseball cards signed by Von Hayes and Juan Samuel, to waiting 45 minutes for a Ryan Howard single-signed baseball, to taking the lead from my 4-year old son, who ran the show this year.

I did not get to as many booths as I would have ten years ago, but it was great to be more relaxed and give him an experience he'll remember for a while. The change of pace this season also allowed me to take in my surroundings in a way I have never done before. Here are a few quick observations:

Women (and Men) Love Chase Utley

When you got it, you got it! I saw it all while sitting close to the "cash donation" line for the Phils second-sacker: women crying at the sight of him; men threatening to fight each other over line position; and, one man commenting that "[Utley] is pretty attractive in person."

Fans Love Grab Bags

A Phestival staple, the $20 grab bags are a great way to pick up autographed gear or SGAs. Given the number of tote bags I saw being carried around, fans kept the booth busy all night. I had to ask one guy with a small pullcart full how many he got: 15 grab bags; and, his best item was a Jimmy Rollins signed hat. Yikes!

Autograph Hunters Come to Win

Being an autograph hound myself, I can relate to the desperation demonstrated by some fans in an attempt to get that key signature. It is really interesting to sit back and watch their body language as they wait in line (or better yet, as they sprint to one). And, once up there, they have no shame in throwing down a jersey, a bat and an oversized glossy photo for the player to sign. Long gone are the days of getting Juan Samuel to sign a baseball card...